High-Security, One Way Traffic Control Barrier

BACKGROUND:In the context of perimeter security, one-way traffic spike strips may be used to enforce directional traffic flows. However, these devices simply lack the kinetic stopping ability of a physical barrier. Furthermore, their protruding spikes impose a 5mph speed limit on passing vehicles which can hinder rapid/emergency egress.

Retractable physical barriers, such as swing gates, retractable bollards, or hydraulic wedge barriers have much greater kinetic ratings, however, they often require a human operator and they can be vulnerable to outside penetration when retracted (such as when allowing a vehicle to exit the premise). In addition, one must consider the barrier response time, the human operator, and external electrical/hydraulic dependencies; all of which can present additional attack vectors for compromising the barrier.

Presented here is a design for a self-contained, one-way traffic control barrier that allows high-speed and high-volume traffic flows while automatically and instantly denying access to wrong-way vehicles. This design uniquely harnesses the rolling force of a wrong-way vehicle's wheels to automatically deploy a physical barrier. It is a robust and self-contained system with no electrical parts or other external dependencies. In addition, the system is extremely flexible and can be configured to deploy barriers both large and small, or even tire-spikes, to meet the specific needs of the application.

HOW IT WORKS:By embedding a series of hydraulic occlusion hoses into channels upon which the vehicle passes over, the design creates a "linear peristaltic pump" that moves a piston to rapidly extend a barrier. This is the same effect of a car rolling over a tube of toothpaste; except here the fluid is displaced into a piston instead of squeezed out onto the ground. Vehicles moving in the correct direction of travel are unaffected; the inclined shape of the hose channel causes an increasing occlusion gap as a tire rolls over in the correct direction of travel. This results in minimal displacement of fluid away from the piston which is easily buffered by an accumulator tank. A tire progressing in the wrong direction of travel causes a decreasing occlusion gap - essentially pinching the tube tight and forcing the fluid into the piston. A deformable cover such an array of hinged metal plates protects the occlusion hoses from the elements.

ADVANTAGES:No speed restrictions = safer + more efficient traffic flow⦁Unlike traffic spikes, this design will not impede on the speed or volume of traffic passing over in the correct direction. This allows safer and much more rapid emergency egress without risking tire damage.

Automatic engagement = greater security⦁Ideal as an added safeguard for high-security installations, this barrier’s automatic engagement provides an effective 24/7 extra layer of security against vehicle intrusion without the need for any additional resources.

Self-contained = less vulnerable⦁With no need for an electric power source, control switches or human observers, there are fewer points of vulnerability compared to a traditional hydraulic barrier. In addition, this design can be easily concealed into the roadway while remaining fully functional.

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ABOUT THE ENTRANT

Name: Shaun Chu

Type of entry: individual

Profession:Engineer/Designer

Number of times previously entering contest:1

Shaun is inspired by:
I am inspired by the process of innovation, the accomplishments of other innovators, and the ability to apply conceptual thinking to come up with solutions to real world problems.